Gosh, was I surprised by the article (TMID 23 July) claiming that Malta is not among the countries with the top ten beaches. What do we expect?

I’ve had the luck to visit some of the beaches mentioned and apart from the fact that some are enormous and have lots of space, most are very clean and have all the relevant amenities including toilets, showers and a lifeguard.

They also have space where you can place your personal umbrellas and deck-chairs, and have none of those dangerous “concrete and pipe” affairs where the real “dons” of Maltese beaches place their umbrellas in.

For the last 20 years, Ghadira Bay has been taken over by these people competing on who can occupy the greatest area to maximise their profit. In two decades, things have gotten worse, even though there is a police station is a few metres away from the beach.

The Mellieha Local Council knows about these people, but decided instead controls barbecues and we have a Malta Maritime Authority that issues laws, guidelines and regulations.

Things are worse because for the last few years, one the umbrella-hiring services has invested in floats which can be used by bathers as a form of entertainment. These floats are anchored a few hundred metres away from the shore and so the owner uses a speed-boat to visit them.

The boat is anchored by the beach and the surrounding area is full of oil and diesel contaminated water. It is also quite dangerous because people and young children swim in the area. Although I am not an expert on Maritime Law, I once read that speedboats must stay at least 100 metres away from a populated beach.

When the relevant authorities decide to enforce the law and control these people who seem to enjoy an incredible amount of immunity, then will we be able to compete with other Mediterranean destinations.

David Pace

Naxxar